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While the Dakar dust may only just have settled for 2022, Red-Lined Motorsport is celebrating another 100 percent finishing rate and an ever-improving Dakar reliability record in the gruelling event.
Both the Red-Lined VK Series T1 race cars that started, went on to finish Dakar 2022 in the hands of small privateer teams. The result takes the team’s overall Dakar record to 12 finishes from 14 starts. Or an impressive overall finishing ratio of 86% for the humble privateer manufacturer based in Kyalami.
“We are delighted to have achieved another 100 percent finishing record at Dakar 2022,” Red-Lined CEO Terence Marsh pointed out. “We are truly proud of our record built up over the years as a small privately owned South African business with no motor manufacturer support to speak of. “Our customers are by, en large privateers and semi-professional racers looking for adventure and an opportunity to race at the highest level.
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“Our cars have now finished a total of 164 of the 168 Dakar stages that they have started over the years, which gives us an overall stage finishing record of 98%. “That’s a feather we will gladly take in our cap. “Every one of our Dakar debutants has also gone on to successfully finish what is regarded as the toughest motorsport event on the planet. “Our rookie crews make up 40% of our finishers to date.
“This year we congratulate German driver Daniel Schröder and South African navigator Ryan Bland for their brilliant effort in their PS Laser VK50, as well as the young German Walcher Racing pairing, Markus Walcher and Stephan Stensky in their VK56. “Both these race crews, and their comparatively small technical teams have added to our impressive Dakar record. “We are extremely grateful for their efforts and proud of their results.
“It is interesting to note, that both these independent Dakar teams comprised of just 6 members, and that included the drivers and navigators. “On average, a Dakar car team is made up of ten or more crew members. “It is remarkable that these results were achieved by our gentleman drivers backed by small, semi-professional customer crews.
Former Dakar biker and navigator, Daniel Schröder only learned that he would make his driving debut in dad Jurgen’s place just a few days before the start. Still, backed by WCT Engineering’s expertise and technical support, Daniel and rookie navigator Ryan Bland came home to finish the gruelling event.
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“We are truly proud of our Dakar record and salute our two successful Dakar crews in 2022,” Terence Marsh concluded. “Red-Lined Motorsport Adventures is all about providing prospective Dakar and Rally Raid privateers the necessary platform from which to follow their dreams. “For us, it is all about turning businessmen into amateur racers and amateurs into semi-professional crews.
“We arm them with all the necessary driver, navigational and technical training they need to meet their Cross Country and Dakar goals and objectives.”
Source: MotorsportMedia